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Preview: Stoke travel to Hull

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On Sky

Stoke travel to newly promoted Hull City for possibly the last time.

Hull`s Egyptian owner Assem Allam has applied to the F.A. to change the clubs name to ‘Hull tigers` without the blessing of the club`s fans.

Hull`s fans are rightly dismayed by the prospect of the club changing its name, but the recent protests off the field from the fans has seen a drop in the teams on field performances, with the exception of Hull`s triumph against Liverpool at the KC Stadium.

The promoted side still sit comfortably in mid table 5 points away from the relegation zone, and one point and one place above the Potters.

Hull drew their televised fixture with Swansea on Monday evening 1-1, with Danny Graham scoring for the first time in 30 league games.

Steve Bruce spent very wisely in the summer to try and keep the Tigers in the Premier League, with Tom Huddlestone and David Livermore being exceptional buys.

Bruce also added experience to his side with the additions of Maynor Figueroa, Allan McGregor and Curtis Davies which has added steel to Humberside club which has resulted in four clean sheets already this season

The Tigers have made the KC Stadium somewhat of a fortress, only losing to Crystal Palace all term at home.

Stoke come into the fixture after their first victory over Chelsea in 38 years after a sublime late Oussama Assaidi winner. The Potters will be looking for only their second away victory of the season and have an opportunity to move into the top half of the cameras in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Vital Quotes:

Oussam Assaidi talking to Stoke`s official site about his dramatic winner against Chelsea:

“I got the ball from Stephen Ireland and was one-on-one with a Chelsea player. When I`m in that situation, I like to cut inside and on this occasion I decided to have a shot and it went into the top corner.


“We needed the points and hopefully beating a big team like Chelsea will give us lots of confidence for the future.”


Ahmed Elmohamady talking to Hull`s official site about Hull`s draw at Swansea:

“We knew we would have to work hard to get anything from Swansea and we all did. We scored early and had other chances as well with Sagbo and Meyler but a draw was still good.


“We have a tough home game against Stoke coming up on Saturday now and hopefully we can get the three points from that one.”

Hull City Team News:

Stephen Quinn, Sone Aloko and Joe Dudgeon are all injured until after the New Year and will miss the visit of the Potters.

Player to watch: Tom Huddlestone

The midfielder has the ability to control the game in the midfield with his wide variety of passing and tackling ability. The once goal scoring midfielder has had somewhat of a drought of late, but don`t be surprised if the Potters are once again the charity case.

Stoke City Team News:

Robert Huth is out until the New Year and is Stoke`s only definite absentee. Erik Pieters missed the Potters victory against Chelsea with a groin injury but could be in contention for a start at Hull, whilst Charlie Adam was forced off early against Chelsea with a knock but should be fit for the weekend. Asmir Begovic has failed to train since Tuesday and is a major doubt.

Player to watch: Stephen Ireland

The on-loan midfielder was pivotal in Stoke`s win against Chelsea, turning defence into attack, a number of times. The Irish international scored a sublime goal and lay on the Potters winner as the Stoke fans have started to see the best of Ireland.

Match Facts & Stats

Hull have only won one of the their last eight league encounters with Stoke

Marc Wilson won a 100% of his tackles attempted against Chelsea last weekend

Stoke have failed to win in their last 5 Premier League away fixtures, losing 4 of them

Four out of the last 10 meetings between the sides has finished 1-1

Ref Watch:

Here’s one we made earlier Mike Dean

Match Prediction:

Probably not the best game to pick for the TV cameras with both teams not wanting to lose this. Stoke could snatch a win though if Hull`s fans decide to protest over the proposed name change. I`m going for a 1-1 draw though.

Next Fixtures:

Potters welcome Aston Villa to the Britannia Stadium, whilst Hull travel to West Brom.

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